Need help choosing P4 MOBO for first build

[donfm]

I've been in the background reading info in forums for some time and have decided to replace my old Dell P2 300MHZ computer. This will be my first build and I'm a little overwhelmed by all the new technology. I am not a power user as such but would like a fast stable computer. Never overclocked but that is an option I'd like to try. Presently I have only a 56k dialup connection so not much networking capability needed here.

I was looking toward a user friendly P4 533MHZ FSB board. This is what I was thinking as far as components. Perhaps you fellas could give advice or help fill in the blanks. None of this is set in stone. While money is really not a problem i don't really need to have the best of the best. Anything would be lightyears over what I am using now. I'm looking for versatility and upgradability.

MOBO - Asus P4PE (open for suggestions but would like 533MHZ FSB)
CPU - Intel P4 2.4BGig or 2.53B Gig
CPU cooler - (not a clue)
HD - At least 60 Gig 7200RPM
DVD-R (not sure about +rw,+R,-R,-RW)
CDR - Have a Plextor 16/10/40/A
RAM - (Need help here. How Much?)
Case - Antech 1080 Plus or something similar(open for suggestions but want a big power supply)
Floppy - generic
RAID - (probably would never use it)
Sound - (onboard is ok for now)
Ethernet - (presently not needed since I only use a modem)
SATA - (Do I need it?)
Firewire - (Do I need it)
Video - Need Good all round card

I also have a USB 1.0 scanner and a parallel printer to reuse. I would be most greatful for any suggestions.

 

[CraigRT]

I would go with an EPoX 4PEA+.. it has features overflowing off it's PCB It's an 845PE mobo.

S-ATA
IDE RAID (highpoint controller)
USB 2.0
Firewire
and all other normal things a mobo might have

sound
LAN

it's a great mobo.. I am very happy with it.
recommended

 

[donfm]

I'm not familiar withthat board. Has it been reviewed anywhere?

 

[justinm]

The Asus P4PE BP supports 533MHz FSB and everything you stated. SATA is optional though. I dont think it has RAID though. You should get 512 megs of DDR ram, that and 256 are becoming the standard and Windows XP requires atleast 256MB ram, so 512 is better. If you run 128, its going to be real slow. As for a CPU cooler, the Zalman line of Flower heatsinks works real well, I know b/c I have one. Also, I have a Vantec Aeroflow with the TMD fan on it for my AMD pc, they also have one for SKT478 Pentium 4's. This is also a real nice CPU cooler if your interested. Anything but retail though. But the retail coolers cool pretty good and are not that loud, if anything, quiter then some coolers out there. For your power supply, get one with atleast 350 watts. But an Antec true power or Enermax 400+ watt PSU will suit your application just fine. As for your video card, get a GF4 TI4200, prices are coming down since the release of the GF FX. I would wait for SATA for now, it seems fast, but they do plan on releasing faster versions of it with in a year or so. If you want IDE RAID, you can always get a Promise ATA100/133 Raid card.

 

[BobReily]

The P4PE is pretty decent motherboard, it has lots of features and highly upgradeable. The same can be said for the ABIT IT7 + Max. The ABIT IT7 + MAX is also a good motherboard, some say it's better than the P4PE although it is more expensive.

motherboard - the Asus P4PE - least-expensive of the i845 boards considering the features it has

CPU - Intel P4 2.4BGig or 2.53B Gig - right now the 2.4 GHz is probably the most talked about and best bang for the buck.

CPU HSF - Vantec AeroFlow VP4-C7040 (the P4 already comes with a stock HSF if you buy it retail..but this is for added protection against heat.)

DVDR - take a look at CPU magazine, their April issue has a review of 9 popular DVD burners, that may help you. Go to dvdrhelp.com and check them out if you want any DVD help.

RAM - you can never have too much RAM, but go with 512 MB - use the memory selector on RAM manufacturers websites to choose the right ram for your motherboard. Crucial, Samsung, Corsair and Kingston are the industry bigwigs atm. Corsair good for anything including overclocking.

Case - Antech 1080 Plus or something similar - the Antec 1080 can be found with a power supply a 430 watt is sufficient

Firewire - you don't need firewire unless you will be doing digital video editing or something similar
Video - the Radeon 8500 is an excellent card that can be found for 150 dollars.

 

[donfm]

Wow!...Thanks everyone. You've given me some excellent information here. Any suggestions for a good hard drive and size? I store a lot of music. Was thinking of the Western Digital Caviar 80 Gig Special edition. Maxtor has the the ATA 133 drives are they any faster or better? Don't think the Asus board does ATA133.

For the DVDR it seems the 2 most popular choices are the Pioneer AO5 and Sony Dru500a. One more question are 3-5.25" External drive Bays sufficient for most situations. I thought I might later add a temperature/usb/firewire header which takes up a 5.25 external slot.